Is the Smokin' Champ worth it for a beginner?

Yes, if you want to learn offset smoking without spending much. It is forgiving on space and price, but expect to manage dampers and seal leaks.

How does it compare with the Char-Griller Akorn or a barrel smoker?

The Akorn is a kamado-style charcoal cooker that holds heat better and uses less fuel. This offset gives more cooking area and true offset smoking for less money.

How much charcoal does a long cook take?

Plan on a full chimney to start and refills every couple of hours on long smokes. Heat loss through the seams raises fuel use.

Can I use it as a regular grill?

Yes. The main chamber works as a standard charcoal grill, and the firebox can be used separately for smoking.

The grill and offset firebox, two cooking racks, cast-iron grates, side shelf, wheels, thermometer and hardware. It ships unassembled.

It is $209 at Home Depot as of November 7, 2026, near the low end of its recent range. Charcoal grills often drop further around spring and end-of-season sales.